My entire career playing baseball I was always known as “Nelly”. It’s a nickname I couldn’t escape even if I tried. So I finally gave in, partially because it grew on me, but more so because it became synonymous with a very special time in my life. My days playing this wonderful game.
I was always passionate about playing baseball. Admittedly, and probably to a fault, it drove many of my decisions in life. While 20/20 may be hindsight, I wouldn’t have pursued baseball with any less tenacity. Baseball was too ingrained in making me who I am today. After all, if it wasn’t for my pursuit of baseball, I wouldn’t have met my wife and had the family that I have today. So for that alone I’m not only grateful for what baseball has brought to my life, I’m obligated by my vows to say so.
So why Nelly’s Dugout? Frankly because “Coach Nelly” was already taken. However, in discussion with some very close friends we came up with a few other names and this one struck a chord with me.
You see, the dugout is where much of the magic happens for players. The play on the field is what the fans see, but it’s in the dugout where future leaders are born and a lifetime of memories are cultivated.
Step into any dugout in America, from the sandlot to the big leagues, and you’re in the presence of greatness; past, present and future. Doctors, presidents, CEO’s, entrepreneurs and inventors all tied together by the time they spent in a dugout. More importantly are the lifetime of memories playing in their youth, high school, college and perhaps even professional baseball careers. There are more memories and life-lessons, that make us who we are as people, that have come from our experience in the dugout and not from some stat in a book long forgotten.
Ask someone to tell you about a story from their childhood playing baseball and they’ll likely have more stories about what happened off the field with their teammates, funny anecdotes and examples of life long lessons learned on a diamond made of clay.
Welcome to Nelly’s Dugout. I look forward to making even more memories and learning more life-lesson’s right here with all of you.